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The Braden Bin - 3/4/16

Juuuuuust in case you are as confused as I am on who to vote for, EdWeek put out a nice election guide for us education minded folks. When it seems as if the candidates speak about everything other than education, it's nice to know that each has their own version of a "plan".

What I'm Reading (Bonus) -

So, Google's up to something again and this one I am VERY excited about. Think of the implications this could have on education. On igniting that fire in our kids for reading! I can't wait to try it!

I think this video draws some very interesting parallels to our current political system. I particularly like the quote, "Most people are not just comfortable in their ignorance but hostile to anyone who points it out."

"As we go about our lives, can we be confident in what we think we know? Perhaps one day, a glimmer of light will punch a hole in your most basic assumptions." I hope you find that glimmer of light and I hope you find it soon!

As educators, it is our responsibility to show our students "reality" or the Forms. That means digging deeper than anything that can possibly be tested on a state mandated standardized test. That means taking the time to dig much deeper than most textbooks can possibly dig. That means taking risks and taking time it takes to peel back the layers on seemingly simple concepts. Facilitating children's exposure to shadows is easy, how are you going to make sure they receive reality?

Sometimes I'm going to get personal on this blog. Sorry. I've got something heavy on my heart right now and this song brings it out. My Avery is going in for her 4th surgery on Monday. After the previous 3 surgeries and 10 cycles of chemotherapy, the cancer still isn't gone thus our journey continues. Doc found another spot, this time on her left lung. This is going to be it, right? She's 3 and has fought harder for her life than I have ever had to fight for anything, and it's not even close. Baby girl, I've had your back through all of this. Anywhere I've gone, there you are and anywhere I go, there you are. You are the fire and the flood. #OwlsForAvery

UPDATE: I wrote this earlier in the week when we were set on surgery. We have had some reservations and may go with another option. Such is life when your daughter is fighting cancer. Surgery is scheduled for Monday morning, it's Friday morning and we don't know what we are going to do. It doesn't help that the 4 doctors we have reached out to for another opinion are also split. I'm confident that we will make the right decision. The best decision we can.

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